By Hayley Gable Bowerman

For most people, Christmas Eve is a special time to spend with family, eating tasty treats, cozying up by the fire and anticipating the gifts to come.

However, for the many folks who volunteer with the Giving Back, Linda’s Legacy organization, Christmas Eve is when they make their way through the streets and back allies of Anne Arundel County, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, stopping at more than two dozen shelters to unload donated materials and meet with the residents of the shelters.

Severna Park resident and SPHS class of 2008 graduate Bobby Keating is one of those volunteers who each year donates much of his time to the Giving Back organization. Now a senior at Clemson University in South Carolina, Keating has spent the last several years volunteering and is now a member of the group’s advisory board.

“In eighth grade, Steve Anstett was my youth leader at Woods church. He convinced me to pack the trucks for delivery. As I helped pack, I felt a pull to go deliver directly to the homeless. That first year I went out to the streets of Baltimore, I found something truly special. Ever since, I have felt a call to come back and help Giving Back continue to grow,” Keating explained.

His favorite part, he says, is feeling such love between all the unique individuals he volunteers with and gives back to.

“Whether it is being at the farmer’s market packing the trucks or out on the streets and in the shelters, there is a love between the volunteers and the individuals that is truly unique. This love is the reason I find Giving Back to be a truly special organization in the community,” he stated.

Looking back, Keating’s fondest memories from participating have been all the relationships he has made and the incredible people he has met. “The thing about Giving Back, Linda’s Legacy, is that it is so diverse. We have people from all walks of life and all different religions that come together to accomplish a fantastic goal. When I look back, I think of all the people I have worked with over the years and how much I’ve learned from each of them. Everyone there truly is there to ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ That unity is something truly great,” he said.

During the month of December, the Giving Back, Linda’s Legacy’s homeless drive is in full swing. The first major event put on by the organization is packing backpacks full of items and materials for those in need. Then, from Dec. 20-23, collections of gently used and new items are taken at the farmer’s market off of Riva Road in Annapolis. It is there folks are invited to donate as well as volunteer to collect the items. Additionally, there will be a U-Haul truck in Severna Park on Ritchie Highway on Dec. 17 and 18 to facilitate local donations. Then, of course, on Dec. 24, the delivery will visit various shelters. For more information on donating or volunteering, visit www.homelessdrive.com.

Thank you for your service Bobby, and congratulations!